The final bye week of the CFL season has paid dividends for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Green and White’s final injury report in advance of their Week 17 matchup against the B.C. Lions revealed a handful of players are set to return to the lineup, including running back A.J. Ouellette and receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker.
Ouellette last played back in Week 8 against the Edmonton Elks, where what seemed to be a simple tackle saw the veteran back have his right knee bend at an awkward angle. He attempted to work through the injury over the following week but was put on the six-game injured list prior to Saskatchewan’s next game.
Ouellette has played four games this season and has 63 carries for 288 yards and another four catches for 30 yards.
Schaffer-Baker last saw action in Week 9 against the Elks, where he also suffered a knee injury. He attempted to return in Week 15 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but the bye week allowed extra time for rest and repair.
The sixth-year veteran remains on pace for a career year and his first potential 1,000-yard receiving season with 45 catches for 704 yards through seven games.
The news is also good for fullback Albert Awachie, whose valuable blocking abilities have been missed since he went down with an ankle injury in Week 9. He was close to returning prior to the bye week but is now listed as available and will likely be in action against the Lions.
A handful of players who had been battling ailments in the lead-up to Friday’s game will also be on the field. Receiver Shemar Bridges (concussion), receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby (illness) and defensive back Jonathan Edouard (knee) are all available.
Things didn’t go as well for a trio of players, including former U of S Huskies standout Daniel Wiebe, who saw full action in practice much of the week but was ruled out with a concussion in the final report.
It’s the same situation for linebacker Josh Woods and running back Quali Conley, who attempted to battle through ankle and wrist injuries respectively but will be on the sidelines Friday.
Linebacker Seyi Oladipo did not practice this week due to an ankle injury and has also been ruled out.
The Rider Broadcast Network will have all the action beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the pregame show. Teagan Witko and Wes Cates will have plenty of special guests, after which Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder will have the game call at 8:30 p.m.
